Watch c. 1780

This elegant watch was made in Paris by Firma Romilly. The combination of gold, enamel, and jewel-like accents speaks of luxury and precision. Consider the intensive labor involved in its creation. The gold case would have been shaped through careful hammering, engraving, and polishing. The enamel dial, with its delicate Roman numerals, required multiple firings in a kiln. And of course the precise mechanism that makes the watch function. This required a watchmaker's workshop, skilled in the use of specialized tools. The watch represents more than just telling time. It’s an object that reflects the burgeoning culture of commerce and consumption. These timepieces helped to standardize daily life. But also, they became coveted items among the rising merchant class, eager to emulate the habits of the aristocracy. So, as you admire the fine details of this watch, think about the human effort behind it, and its significance as a symbol of status and social change.